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Cyber Security Management (MSc) (2024 Entry)

Cyber Security Management students at the University of Warwick

Explore our Cyber Security Management taught Master's degree.

Cyber Security Management is designed for graduates looking to understand or apply cyber security in a consultancy, strategic, business or management context. With our expert guidance, you will learn to understand the cyber threat landscape, manage resources, implement solutions and effectively communicate these to senior decision makers. This course is certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (part of GCHQ).


Course overview

Over the course of the year, you will develop a clear understanding of the cyber threat landscape and how a cyber incident may evolve. You will cover the key technologies required to defend and protect organisational information infrastructures from threats and attacks, and will learn how to manage and limit the impact an attack can have on a business.

You will focus on the strategic deployment and implementation of cyber security within an organisation: understanding the threat, managing resources, implementing solutions, and effectively communicating these to senior decision-makers, in order to support the strategic growth of a business. 

This course draws extensively on current professional practices, and benefits from teaching input by cyber security professionals currently working in their areas of expertise. It also draws extensively on our world class research experience. During the course of studies, you will have opportunities to participate in research projects with leading researchers.

This course is certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (part of GCHQ).

Warwick is an Academic Partner of CIISec and the MSc in Cyber Security Management is affiliated to CIISec


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in IT, Computer Science, or a related subject.

Candidates with a UK 2:2 (or equivalent) may be accepted upon demonstration of relevant professional experience.

This course also caters for non-STEM graduates with a specific interest in cyber security. 


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

  • Band A
  • IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.


Additional requirements

Candidates with professional experience should include their CV with their application.

Core modules

Core modules are required modules that all students will complete whilst on this programme. For Cyber Security Management (CSM), your core modules are:

  • Cyber Security Research Methods
  • Managing Cyber Risk, Audit and Compliance
  • Network Security
  • Applied Cryptography
  • Digital Forensic Investigation
  • Human Factors in Cyber Security
  • Cyber Security Consultancy

Optional modules

Alongside your core modules, you should select an additional elective module. Options will be made available to you at the start of the academic year and will include modules such as:

  • Programming and Fundamental Algorithms
  • Leadership and Excellence
  • Cloud Security
  • Cyber Incident Management
  • Data Science and Machine Learning

Read the module descriptions for this course on WMG's website.Link opens in a new window


Teaching

This course has two components – a taught component accounting for two-thirds of your time and effort and a research component accounting for one-third. 

For the taught component, we blend synchronous and asynchronous learning, delivered through lectures, seminars, lab work, syndicate exercises, simulations, and case studies. The majority of modules are taught in small classes to facilitate and encourage interaction.

Our module leaders have extensive industry experience. Guest speakers from industry also contribute regularly, bringing real-world insight into your learning experience.

In addition to your taught modules, you will undertake a major project as part of your Master's degree, which will develop your research and analytical skills and enable you to specialise. This is nominally 600 hours (60 CATS points) of learning, mainly taking place during the Spring and Summer terms. You will engage regularly with your Project Supervisor or Coach and to provide progress updates and drafts of your work to an agreed schedule.

As a CSM student, your project needs to demonstrate managerial, consultation, or leadership depth and insight.


Class sizes

The typical intake for this course is around 60 students, divided into two classes of 30 students for most modules.


Typical contact hours

Module delivery patterns vary, but most will be delivered in a short learning block of up to 4 weeks, allowing your focus to be on one module at a time. Each module nominally accounts for 150 hours, which includes scheduled classroom time and online sessions as well as your independent study and assessments.


Assessment

Modules are predominantly assessed by way of written Post Module Assignments (PMA), but assessment can also be in other formats. Most modules will also have a degree of In-Module Assessment (IMA), which will vary by module and may take the form of presentations, on-line tests, self-reflection or a range of other methods.

For the research component, you will undertake a major project.

Project submission is likely to include both a written and a presentation element, and accounts for 33% of your overall academic grade.


Your timetable

Core modules will be allocated to students at the end of the first week of term - you will then be able to view your individual module schedule for the rest of the year via the WMG module selection system.

Your elective module will be bookable through the same system later in the term.

Modules will include scheduled classroom time and online sessions as well as your independent study and assessments, and will usually be delivered within a 4 week timeframe. Occasional classes and study skills sessions may be held at weekends or in the evenings.

As a Master's student, you are expected to manage your own time appropriately. On average, you are expected to commit 38-40 hours of study each week, in order to successfully achieve your Master’s degree.

This is a full-time postgraduate course - undergraduate term dates do not apply. Whilst there are no holidays as such, there will be no teaching scheduled when the University is officially closed, during the two weeks over Christmas and New Year.

Your career

Graduates from WMG have gone on to work for a variety of employers including:

  • Accenture
  • PWC
  • KPMG
  • Deloitte
  • IBM
  • Ministry of Defence
  • HP
  • Cisco
  • Tata Consulting Services

They have pursued roles such as:

  • Cyber Security Consultant
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Technology Analyst
  • IT Security and Governance Officer
  • Security Project Manager
  • Network Consulting Engineer
  • IT Risk and Resilience Manager
  • Senior Investigation Officer

Helping you find the right career

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

  • Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
  • WMG Future Fest
  • Options in Engineering sector event
  • Careers for experienced hires
  • Careers in Cyber Security
  • Careers in healthcare
  • Careers in project management

WMG at Warwick

Having forged strong links with global companies through 42 years of collaborative research and development, we really understand the global market you’ll be operating in, and have designed our programmes to match.

Find out more about us on our websiteLink opens in a new window


Our courses

Our part-time courses for working professionals

Our Postgraduate Research degrees


Visiting WMG

There are a number of different ways to visit the University of Warwick throughout the year. We host bespoke PG visits, where you can talk directly with your chosen department and explore our campus through a personalised tour. WMG also organises events for prospective students including a weekly Live Chat so you can connect directly with the department to speak with staff and students from WMG. For more about university wide open days and tours, visit our Postgraduate Visits page.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your course fees  


Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.


Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, there may be general associated costs such as:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits*
  • Dissertation binding*
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

* - Dissertations and Assignments are only submitted digitally. However students may wish to print and bind their dissertation for their own purposes. Students on some courses will have a final poster presentation as part of their project and the printing of posters will be at the students’ expense.

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

WMG Excellence Scholarships

WMG funding opportunities

WMG will be awarding over £1million in scholarships and bursaries to students commencing study on our full-time MSc programmes

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Additional funding information

We have a number of research projects available which are fully or partially funded. The majority of these are for UK/EU applicants, though occasionally we advertise positions that are also open to overseas applicants. Please refer to specific project descriptions for details. See our Research Degree opportunities here.

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

Applications will close on 2 August 2024 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.

How to apply for a postgraduate taught course in WMG  

Please note, places are often limited, so we recommend that you submit your application as early as possible. Please check our department webpages for more specific information.

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Warwick Hosted EventsLink opens in a new window

Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.

Postgraduate Fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Live chats

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.